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Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Giddy up, Cruiser!

I surprised Grace with horseback riding lessons this week. She gets so excited around horses so when I saw a Groupon for lessons at a farm near our house, I got it right away! I bought three 1-hour lessons, but the instructor suggested that we come for double the number of 30-minute lessons. So, we will go once a month from now until November!

When we got there, Grace said, "I like it here with the horses!" Uh, oh....we DO NOT WANT TO BUY A HORSE.....PLEASE remind me of this when she asks for one! Because you know I am going to have a hard time resisting this face.
Grace met Cruiser, watched as they put the saddle on him, and got right on. The instructor showed her how to put her feet in the stir-ups, how to use the reins, and how to say "giddy up" and "whoa" to control the horse.
Before long she was using the reins alone and moving Cruiser around the outside of a little cone. I was impressed at what Grace was able to do for her first lesson.

Whoa, Cruiser!
Look at her pulling on the reins!
Left turn....
Align Center
I loved how quiet and patient she was. She stopped sometimes and gave Cruiser a pat saying, "Good job, Cruiser!" Grace seemed so comfortable and confident on such big animal. You can see it in her face.
When it was time to end the lesson, Grace led him into the stable and spent a few minutes brushing and patting him. We talked about how much work a horse is....it isn't just fun and games of riding. Someone has to clean the poop! She wasn't too sure about that.

4 comments:

cathybcareers said...

Grace you look great on Cruiser! Nana and Ba are so proud of you how you talked gentle to Cruiser. Maybe Daisy thought you patience with animals. Nana is going to look over and over at these pictures. Good Job.

Arena Mom said...

That is awesome!! Grace looks like a natural up there!!!! The two of them will have to get together and talk horses! There is nothing mayna loves more than her weekly riding lesson. (great leverage for momma....haha). Gives them great confidence!

Susan said...

She does look so comfortable way up there on top of Cruiser. Way to go, Grace. Good prep for a summer job at a dude ranch, I think!

Phyllis said...

Grace, I look forward to more pictures of you and Cruiser. I have enjoyed these so much. You look so proud and in control! It must be so much fun to ride a horse.